Gear Review: Centris Folding eBike by Buzz Bicycles
The Buzz Centris Folding eBike is a compact, fat-tire electric bike made for rough roads and backcountry rides. It folds down small, fits in a Subaru, and handles steep, rugged terrain with ease. It's perfect for remote trailheads and adventure.
When the road gets too rough to drive, that’s exactly when the Buzz Centris Folding eBike shines. This compact, foldable Class 2 eBike might not look like your typical backroad beast, but don’t let the size or shape fool you!
With rugged little fat tires, a powerful motor, and a space-saving fold-up design, the Centris is perfect for forest service roads, mountain routes, and anywhere you want to go beyond the pavement without a trailer or bike rack.
Why I Love It
I’ve taken the Centris up moderate mountain roads and into the 4x4 trail systems in the southern Rockies. And it’s been a reliable, low-fuss eBike the entire way. It's a hardtail, which keeps you moving a little bit slower. This is a good thing on very steep mountain terrain if you aren't a pro rider.
One of the best features is in it's name. This foldable eBike folds down small enough to fit in the back of a Subaru Outback- no rack needed. For me this is a very big deal. I'm more comfortable driving without a rack on, and a lot of eBikes are too heavy for them anyways.
This little bike is perfect for accessing remote trailheads, or camping down 4x4 roads that would be too technical for your car. Just don't go too far, as the battery range is around 25 miles on steep mountain terrain with a load of gear.
It's worth noting that this isn't really a mountain bike style eBike. So while it's great for 4x4 roads and smooth dirt singletrack, this is not an eBike for technical terrain. It's not as nimble as you'd want it to be for mountain biking.
Standout Features & Specs
Here’s what makes the Buzz Centris a standout, especially for its price point:
- 500W Hub Motor
Smooth and responsive, with plenty of torque to climb steep gravel and dirt roads. Where allowed, this is a great motor for flowy singletrack. - 48V Lithium-Ion Battery (10.4Ah)
Easily removable and lockable, with a range of up to 40 miles depending on terrain and assist level. In steep mountain terrain, and when carrying a lot of gear, plan for 25 miles of range. - 4" Wide Fat Tires on 20" Wheels
Tackles soft gravel, light snow, and rocky mountain tracks with ease. - Foldable Aluminum Frame
Folds in seconds, making it incredibly convenient for transport and storage. Fits in most hatchbacks and SUVs.
- 5 Levels of Pedal Assist + Thumb Throttle
Offers a nice range of control, whether you're cruising flats or grinding uphill. - LCD Display + Integrated Front and Rear Lights
All the basic features you need for safe, visible riding day or night. - Shimano 7-Speed Drivetrain
Simple and reliable shifting to match the terrain. - Front Suspension Fork
Adds comfort when navigating rough, uneven trails.
Weight: Approx. 68 lbs
Max Speed: 20 mph (throttle and assist)
Rider Height Range: 5'2" – 6'2"
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Folds easily for transport—fits in a Subaru Outback | Heavier than it looks (common for folding eBikes) |
| Great performance on rugged backroads | No rear suspension- hardtail |
| Fat tires handle mixed terrain well | Battery range drops on steep or muddy routes |
| Affordable price point for solid specs |
Back to the Trailhead
If you’re looking for an eBike that gets you off the beaten path without the need for a bike rack, the Buzz Centris Folding eBike is a top pick. It’s reliable, surprisingly rugged, and ready for everything from mellow gravel to the kind of mountain roads most folks turn around at.
Whether you're scouting 4x4 roads, setting up a basecamp, or just exploring deeper into public lands, this eBike makes it happen and tucks neatly back into your car when the day’s done.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
